Removal proceedings are initiated against an alien when that alien has violated immigration laws or has committed a criminal offense. The consequences of a removal order are severe and as such every alien put into removal proceedings should seek consultation from an attorney.

There are many forms of relief available to an alien, and include: asylum, cancellation/suspension of removal, adjustment of status, 212(c)waivers and U.S. Citizenship. Representing clients and determining what relief is available requires in-depth knowledge of immigration laws and cases.

Board of Immigration Appeals

If an order of removal is issued, the next step is to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals(BIA). This appeal must be filed within thirty days of the Immigration Judge's decision.

Federal Courts of Appeal

If the BIA agrees with the Immigration Judge, they will affirm the decision and deny your case. The next, and in most cases the ultimate step in the appeal process involves petitioning the Federal Court to "stay" the removal order and have the Court reevaluate the BIA and the decision of the Immigration Judge, which ever is deemed to be the final administrative decision. This process involves complex procedural and substantive issues, which require expertise and skill to properly perform.

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Please note that the following web page and those hereto linked, e-mails, articles or other forms of communication should NOT be taken as legal advice and are provided for general reference. Reliance upon any information for a specific situation is taken at your own risk and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Isais & Pfeiffer, LLP, strongly recommends seeking advice from an attorney experienced in immigration law.